The Bank has decided to extend its contract with De La Rue to operate the printing facility at Debden, Essex until 2028. The current contract came into effect in April 2015, and was due to expire in 2025. The contract provided for the option of a three year extension. The decision to exercise the extension option was approved by the Bank’s Court of Directors.

Sarah John, Bank of England Chief Cashier, said:

“The relationship with De La Rue is an important one for the Bank of England. During the course of the current contract, we have worked closely together to launch three new banknote designs on polymer. In 2021, the release of the new Alan Turing £50 note will complete our polymer set. We are very pleased to announce the extension of the contract today, which will enable us to continue to develop our Debden facility as a global centre of excellence for banknote printing.”